Weather permitting, a flotilla of wooden-built Galway hookers will escort an aluminium-built passenger ferry out on the first leg of its maiden voyage between Galway city and the Aran islands this morning.
Several gleoiteogs with Galway Hooker Sailing Club aim to accompany the new Aran Island Ferries fast ship out past Mutton island.
As Afloat reported previously, Named Saoirse na Farraige (freedom of the sea), the 400-seat passenger ferry was built in Hong Kong for Aran Island Ferries, the company run by the O’Brien family of An Cheathrú Rua, Co Galway.
It offers a longer sea trip but faster overall journey west from Galway city to Inis Mor.
It is almost 40 years since the O’Briens took their first passengers in the Galway hooker, An Tonaí, and then purchased their first passenger ferry named the Dún Aengus in 1983.
The family company now has a fleet of five-passenger ferries, and their routes between Ros-a-Mhíl and the three Aran islands will be complemented by the new 40-metre ship on the Galway city- Inis Mór route.
The vessel built in Cheoy Lee Shipyards in Hong Kong has a speed of 20 knots, and its master is Donegal man and former pelagic fisherman Shane McCole.
It has a capacity for 394 passengers – as in a 306 passengers on the main deck, divided into two seating areas, and a semi-covered space for 88 passengers on the top deck.
However, the ferry will be carrying reduced capacity to meet with Covid-19 health and safety guidelines.
Passengers leaving for Inis Mór at 9.30am from Galway docks will have the option of a return journey via the Cliffs of Moher in Clare.
The Doolin2Aran Ferries company in Doolin, Co Clare, also offers cruises below the sea cliffs from Doolin pier.
Saoirse na Farraige claims to have “ the cleanest exhaust emission” of any ferry on Irish waters.
It is fitted leather seating, charging points and plasma screens – earning it the local nickname of “GoBus” at sea – and it has a wheelchair lift.
The O’Briens say the new route will create 15 new jobs, after what has been “a tough year for all involved in tourism”.
The Port of Galway has welcomed the first passenger ferry service from the city to the Aran Islands since 2005.
The combined Aran Island Ferries fleet of six vessels has a total facility for 1,420 passengers when at full capacity.
Ticket prices for a return journey on Saoirse na Farraige from Galway docks will be:
Adult: €49, Student/Senior: €44, Child: €25